To help practitioners integrate skills into the teaching of key academic subjects, the
Partnership has developed a unified, collective vision for learning known as the
Framework for 21st Century Learning. This Framework describes the skills, knowledge
and expertise students must master to succeed in work and life; it is a blend of content
knowledge, specific skills, expertise and literacies.
Every 21st century skills implementation requires the development of key academic
subject knowledge and understanding among all students. Those who can think critically
and communicate effectively must build on a base of key academic subject knowledge.
Within the context of key knowledge instruction, students must also learn the
essential skills for success in today’s world, such as critical thinking, problem
solving, communication and collaboration.
When a school or district builds on this foundation, combining the entire Framework with
the necessary support systems—standards, assessments, curriculum and instruction,
professional development and learning environments—students are more engaged in the
learning process and graduate better prepared to thrive in today’s global economy.
While the graphic represents each element distinctly for descriptive purposes,
the Partnership views all the components as fully interconnected in the process
of 21st century teaching and learning.